Rise in cancer cases due to lifestyle, pollution

On the eve of World Cancer Day, health experts blamed increasing urbanisation, lifestyle changes, high levels of industrial and environmental pollution and inadvertent entry of chemicals in the human food chain for an alarming rise in incidence of cancer in the country.

The experts claimed that urbanisation contains several accompanying attributes such as obesity, lack of exercise, more consumption of fats, lifestyle changes and intake of alcohol. According to them, these factors tend to increase the risk of cancer. Pollution is another factor of urbanisation that further encourages cancer. Packaged and stored food, whose consumption has increased radically, also contain additives and chemicals that may be damaging for the body.

“While we can clearly see lifestyle changes as contributory factors, it is hypothesised that other factors can be hugely impacting. These could include the effects of genetically modified crops in addition to the excess use of fertilisers and rodenticides, as well as the use of chemicals for artificial ripening of the fruits and vegetables. Another hazardous factor is dangerous industrial and environmental toxicants that are rampant in our air and water bodies and find their way into our fruits and vegetables. We need greater research and studies to analyse the impact of chemical adulteration in the food chain,” senior consultant, medical oncology, at Max Hospital in Saket, Dr Nitesh Rohatgi, said.

The experts added that not only had the number of several cancers increased in the recent years, but in an alarming trend, the average age of incidence had also reduced drastically.

“Trends are clearly visible and they indicate rapidly rising numbers. The incidence is rising faster in urban areas and cities, but the rise is also apparent in rural areas. Another worrying concern is increasing incidence in younger patients, even in those in their 20s and 30s,” added Dr Rohatgi.

The experts also suggested that cancer patients should be provided psychological help to deal with disease and recovery.

“The minute someone is diagnosed with cancer especially, if its in advanced stage, the patient and family get into a mourning phase in anticipation of the pain it will bring in addition to care-giving and financial burden. The support of a psychologist counsellor may help them cope with accepting this diagnosis and addressing difficult emotions and life changes.